Airtel strengthens its stronghold in Indian telecom space post auction

After the recent auction was concluded, Bharti Airtel now holds the largest amount of spectrum across airwaves in 2100MHz, 1800MHz and 900MHz. Airtel had spend a total of Rs 29,130.20 crore in the last auction. While Idea and Vodafone were busy renewing their 900MHz spectrum Airtel was shopping for additional spectrum after it renewed its expiring spectrum.

3G spectrum in 21 circles

Airtel now stands to offer 3G service in all circles expect for Kerala. Airtel holds 2100Mhz 3G spectrum in 19 circles and has 900MHz spectrum which can be used for 3G service in Kolkata and Punjab where it lack 2100Mhz spectrum. Airtel has already launched 3G service in Kolkata under platinum 3G brand. In Punjab Airtel has won 10MHz of 900MHz spectrum out of which Airtel is expected to use 5MHz for 3G service. Airtel is all set to become the largest 3G operator in the country with near pan India 3G service no other operator in the country can offer.

In an unexpected move Airtel bought off the 3G spectrum on sale in Tamilnadu circle were it already hold 2100MHz spectrum. With this move Airtel not only increased its 3G spectrum holding in the circle but also stopped entry of another 3G operator in the circle there by avoiding competition. As Airtel now holds 3G spectrum in almost all circles, in future 3G spectrum auction Airtel would top up its 3G spectrum holding for 3G service expantion and also block entry of new 3G operators.

4G service on 1800MHz

Traditionally considered as 2G spectrum 1800MHz is now viewed as ideal spectrum for 4G service. Airtel currently holds more than 5MHz of 1800MHz spectrum in 19 circles out of which in 8 circles have 10MHz or more spectrum available. This will allow Airtel to offer 4G and 2G service on 1800MHz seamlessly in these circles.

900MHz platinum 3G service

Airtel has already started 3G service on 900MHz in Mumbai and Delhi as platinum 3G. The 3G service on 900MHz is far more efficient than 3G service on 2100MHz. Airtel holds more than 5MHz liberalized 900MHz spectrum in 10 circles which can be used to offer 3G service. In some circles Airtel holds 8MHz or more of 900MHz spectrum and this would allow to offer both 2G and 3G service on 900MHz.

Airtel snatches 900MHz spectrum from rivals

Airtel not only renewed its expiring 900MHz spectrum but also acquired additional 900MHz spectrum which was held by rival operators. Reliance Communications lost 900MHz spectrum in 5 circles to Airtel and Vodafone who were fighting hard for it.

RCOM was not the only victim of Airtel fierce battle in 900MHz, Idea which held 6.2MHz or 7.2MHz of 900MHz spectrum in many circle had to reduce its holding to 5MHz post auction. Most of which was snatched by spectrum hungry Airtel. Vodafone also lost few MHz of 900MHz in some circles to Airtel.

Airtel dominating India telecom space

Airtel’s undisputed position as no:1 mobile operator in the country is further strengthen with the acquisition of additional airwaves in the auction ended. With this move Airtel ensure its continued growth in 2G, 3G and 4G service in the country. For rival operators this was a missed opportunity to take on Airtel.

Circle

2100 MHz

2300 MHz

1800 MHz

900 MHz

Delhi

5 MHz

20 MHz

7 MHz

6 MHz

Mumbai

5 MHz

20 MHz

15.2 MHz

5 MHz

Kolkata

20 MHz

7 MHz

7 MHz

Andhra Pradesh

5 MHz

10 MHz

9 MHz

Gujarat

5 MHz

6.2 MHz

Karnataka

5 MHz

20 MHz

8.8 MHz

8.8 MHz

Maharastra

5 MHz

20 MHz

8.2 MHz

Tamil Nadu

10 MHz

14.2 MHz

6.2 MHz

Haryana

5 MHz

20 MHz

9.6 MHz

Kerala

20 MHz

11.2 MHz

Madhya Pradesh

5 MHz

13.8 MHz

Punjab

20 MHz

9.2 MHz

10 MHz

Rajasthan

5 MHz

8.2 MHz

6 MHz

Utterpradesh East

5 MHz

1 MHz

6.2 MHz

Utterpradesh West

5 MHz

6.2 MHz

West Bengal

5 MHz

6.2 MHz

6.6 MHz

Assam

5 MHz

5.6 MHz

8 MHz

Bihar

5 MHz

3 MHz

7.8 MHz

Himachal Pradesh

5 MHz

10.2 MHz

7.4 MHz

Jammu & Kashmir

5 MHz

2.6 MHz

6.2 MHz

North East

5 MHz

10.4 MHz

13.2 MHz

Orissa

5 MHz

13 MHz

7.4 MHz

Please share your views on Airtel acquiring most spectrum in last auction.

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64 Comments on "Airtel strengthens its stronghold in Indian telecom space post auction"

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Subha

April 22, 2015 8:45 pm 8:45 PM

Today I experienced a furious customer care of airtel prepaid Kolkata. Today in the evening I called 198 and asked the CCE about the proper person/ address where I can launch a “Complaint” as they do not take any complain. The cce replied me ” Network problem occurs due to tower. Find out the nearest tower and go there to make a complain. We should not take any complain”. This is the airtel. I have decided whatever airtel quality will be in future but from today I should never use airtel. I have decided to port out from airtel. If… Read more »

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Madhan Kumar

April 26, 2015 10:25 pm 10:25 PM

@Subha: Yeah,Airtel is a fraud better port out to Bsnl!

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Rhishav

April 21, 2015 11:07 am 11:07 AM

I simply love airtel’s services in Kolkata. They have improved quite a lot with their 3G. 2G voice is just disgusting in Kolkata. But if you get 3G on 900 MHz band then my friend you should stick to it. I have not been deducted or looted by airtel which maybe surprising to many. But I guess it changes from place to place. I was earlier looted by Vodafone with their unfair deductions so I had to leave them. I really like airtel for their good All India presence. They have coverage problems where they don’t have 900MHz spectrum and… Read more »

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Subha

April 21, 2015 3:47 pm 3:47 PM

Dear Mr. Rhishav, you are really lucky that you never faced unfair deduction from airtel. It is true that Vodafone is no one on unfair balance deduction even they used to make negative balance. I had a Rs. 999 vodafone (Hutch) sim which I had to stop using as the automatically made my balance from +40 rs to -296rs. They were unable to give me the proper reason for deduction. airtel also used to deduct balance but not like vodafone. But coverage wise Vodafone is far ahead than airtel especially in indoor coverage issue and customer care. Till today in… Read more »

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Dr Lambinagh

April 20, 2015 11:02 am 11:02 AM

Airtel rules. Yes I like airtel, nothing wrong in appreciating a brand that has been with me thru thick and thin. I wish them all the luck. And if someone has a different opinion, then they r welcome to it. For me this is my personal opinion and I think they rock, I also have a Voda and docomo sim incase anyone is wondering, they r ok and all other players suck.

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Madhan Kumar

April 20, 2015 5:39 pm 5:39 PM

Lolz,Airtel Blind fold -Doctor Fan finally found.That too what an Idiotic blind statement “he says Vodafone,Tata Docomo are ok,while others suck” Frnds pls understand Bsnl is the only best Pan India Operator and only if u support Bsnl they will improve their services,Airtel,Vodafone,Idea are big frauds pls don’t go for it!